Mental health in the workplace

Employer or employee; things you can do to improve your mental wellbeing in the workplace...

The workplace can be an emotionally demanding environment. From stressful situations to improper support from management; the workplace can be the cause of many mental health problems.

Taking action, either as an employer or employee, can positively affect your work environment by increasing productivity and attendance.

The following suggestions and advice has been taken from the Mind website, a great source of information about mental health subjects.

Taking care of yourself

Your workplace doesn't have to be pro-active in mental health awareness or improvement for you to make changes that will benefit your own mental wellbeing.

Take a look at our Five Ways to Wellbeing page; five evidence-based ways to help us improve our mental wellbeing.

Mind has produced a list of top tips for employees to stay well at work. Here are some of the suggestions:

• Listen to music - Slow, calming music is proven to reduce stress and encourage relaxation.
• Plan your day - Working late may mean you are working longer but not better. It could be detrimental to your concentration, productivity and health.
• Clear Boundaries - Try not to let work mix with your personal life. If you need to work at home, designate a separate area for work.

For more top tips for employees, visit the Mind website.

Looking after your staff

Although a lot of work has been done to remove the stigma associated with mental health we have barely even started.

Supportive and open work environments are key to not just improving the livelihood of your employees but it is also proven to boost attendance and productivity.

Many employers say they would like to do more to improve the mental wellbeing of their employees but don't feel they have the right training or guidance. But you don't have to be a doctor to promote mental health in (and out) of the workplace.

Luckily for employers there are dedicated professionals who have produced great materials to be distributed in the workplace. Even by placing posters and leaflets in staff rooms or corridors shows that you are doing your part and shows your employees that it shouldn't be a taboo subject.

Free resources and more information

Mind has compiled a list of free resources for you to use, distribute and promote in the workplace. Visit the Mind Useful Resources webpage for a complete list.

 NHS Choices has also produced some great guidance and advice webpages about health in the workplace. Subjects include stress busting, beating the workplace energy slump and returning to work after recovering from a mental health or emotional problem.

Click on the images or the links on the right hand side of this page to find out more.